Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured in the South Yard at Williton on 4th November 2023, enjoying the late afternoon sun. This 58-year-old loco is wearing her tarpaulins because she is destined to spend the winter outdoors. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

The public services on the West Somerset Railway came to their seasonal end on Sunday 29th October, marking the start of an almost 4-week gap until the first day of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ illuminated services, on the evening of Friday 24th November. These very popular trains are ‘top and tailed’ with a steam loco at one end and a diesel at the other. The loco tasked with this diesel duty this year is Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and the loco is ready and waiting at Bishops Lydeard.

The steam-hauled ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services run on Saturdays and Sundays from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back, and this year there is one day where the ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ runs from Minehead to Williton instead.

Intermingled with these services are CAROL TRAINS, DINING TRAINS, FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA TRAINS and the invariably fully booked ‘DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT‘ trains (book now if you want a chance of a seat), so take a look at the WSR’s EVENTS page for more details.

The DEPG depends on the WSR as our home base and primary running line, so please support and enjoy these seasonal services and in doing so, support the DEPG !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are taking advantage of having the loco back under cover, with Ian F and Roy hard at work on the ‘A’ side of the loco, doing the filling, sanding and painting. This loco is going to look fabulous when all of the work is done and a complete top coat of the original carriage maroon is applied. Great job guys !

Meanwhile, Gordon has been overhauling the auxiliary cardan shafts and replacing the needle roller bearings where necessary, and Colin F and his team are hard at work on the reassembly of the ‘A’ transmission, complete with a new set of bearings and the necessary attention to oilways. The ‘A’ transmission presented a different set of challenges compared to the ‘B’ transmission that was completed earlier this year. The ‘A’ turbine rail was in perfect internal condition except for the overheated bearing 3/152, but the auxiliary shafts and the cast steel housings needed to be carefully restored for further service. Almost the exact opposite applied at the ‘B’ end, where the turbine rail had suffered the worst damage following the seizure of bearing 3/152, but the housings were in good condition. Soon, we will have two good transmissions ready and waiting to be re-installed into the locomotive. Here are some photos:

D1010 – above and below – the ‘A’ side of the ‘A’ end of the locomotive received attention from Roy and Ian F at Williton on Saturday 4th November 2023. The sanded areas have been sprayed with primer to prevent corrosion pending another weekend of sanding and the application of multiple coats of paint. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – the auxiliary cardan shafts received attention from Gordon at Williton on Saturday 4th November 2023. There are two shafts at each end of the loco, one being the dynastarter shaft (for engine starting and power generation) and the other being the Serck pump shaft (for the cooling fans). Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – the cast steel transmission housing sections needed careful remediation work to restore damaged threads, but time spent now will make the re-assembly task that much easier. Geoff was obviously enjoying his work when photographed at Williton on Monday 30th October 2023. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – one of the many large and expensive bearings that have been purchased for the overhaul of the ‘A’ transmission. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 1st November 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – Tim installs the spur gear onto the auxiliary shaft (Group 8) by using a combination of oil injection at the shaft taper and gentle pressure from the hydraulic cylinder. The pressure controls are basic and manual so that Tim can maintain a close feel for the progress as the two parts slide into place. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 1st November 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – The completed auxiliary shaft (Group 8) now runs smoothly and silently in new bearings. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 1st November 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

 

We engraved 20 patches on the ‘B’ end of the locomotive last Saturday and we still have another 60 patches to engrave on the loco this coming weekend, starting at the ‘B’ side at the ‘B’ end. There is still plenty of new metal to be marked, so please keep up this amazing level of support and help get D1010 back to working order ASAP. Many thanks to those who placed their orders during the last few weeks.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now stabled at Bishops Lydeard to take on the role of ‘Duty Loco’ and will be covering the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services that start on Friday 24th November. Test runs for staff training will be carried out on 22nd and 23rd November.

Click here or on the ticket icon below to go to the WSR’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ page:

 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco returned to Williton on Saturday 21st October to undergo winter maintenance, including an overhaul of her exhaust system. The loco will remain available for service until December and is scheduled to go into the loco shed on 23rd December, and will probably remain there for two months while the work is being done.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – apart from some minor details that will be sorted out during the coming weeks, this loco is ready for action and will be sent out for a loaded test run as soon as possible when the line re-opens in the spring. Meanwhile, the loco will be ‘winterised’ to protect her from the elements, as far as possible, while she rides out the winter in the yard at Williton.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the Root Cause Analysis has identified several probable causes for the uncommanded engagement of the torque converter and each has been ranked for probability, based on the available evidence. Some additional testing will need to be performed to focus in on the most probable cause. Meanwhile, several other maintenance tasks are outstanding on this locomotive and will be progressed during the winter.

D7018 – this loco was enjoying the peace and quite on Number 3 road outside the loco shed in Williton when pictured on the calm and sunny afternoon of Saturday 4th November 2023. Photo by Andy Royal  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the focus is now switching to the installation of the electrical control cubicle and the refurbishment of the driver’s desk, complete with the new wiring and overhauled controllers. There are many parts that have to be cleaned, inspected and restored in the background before major steps forward can be reported. All of this work takes a huge amount of time and effort and is often unsung. The following five photos amount to a lot of volunteer hours !

D9518 – the vacuum brake controllers have been carefully restored and are ready to be re-installed onto the driver’s desk when that subassembly is ready for them. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – above and below (x3) – the various sheet steel components from the cab assembly have been restored and spray painted in grey undercoat. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully serviceable. As reported earlier, her covers have been applied to try and keep the worst of the weather out of her more delicate workings.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The progress on ‘NORTH STAR’ continues in between having to work on the other diesel locos in their care. We look forward to her being back out and about again.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – to correct last week’s report, the two drivers who were evaluated at Williton on Saturday 28th October were Colin G and Martin, both undergoing their re-certification. Neil and Paul T will get their turn soon !

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we will continue to promote these three best selling titles this week, partly because we have them in stock and partly because we don’t have time left this week to include the next book review from NEALE LONG (thanks again Neale !).

Click on the images below to buy these books from our online store and in doing so, support the DEPG.

  

 

Also available via the DEPG ONLINE STORE is this sought-after new book by former BR apprentices Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell describing the ‘PYRAMID OF DIESEL HYDRAULICS‘ that comprise the D600, D800, D1000, D6300, D7000 and D9500 series of locomotives (classes 41, 42/43, 52, 22, 35 and 14). This book has been selling like hot cakes and has already had to be reprinted to meet the demand !

Available from the DEPG for £15 plus £3.50 P&P. Click here or on the image below to order this book.

 

We are grateful to regular contributor NEALE LONG for providing a very thorough and detailed book review, an extract from which is reproduced below. Click here to go to the full review on our website.

     “Of the many books published about British Rail’s foray into diesel-hydraulic traction over the years, very few have featured any account by staff involved in either the operation or maintenance of the fleet. This handily sized A5, 146-page softback by two ex-British Railways Engineering Limited apprentices, Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell, sets out to redress this particular imbalance. The book tells the fascinating story from within British Rail from the planning of the diesel-hydraulic pyramid as part of the 1955 Modernisation Plan, to its final collapse in 1977. This story is presented …..” click here to read more.

 

Many thanks to Neale for putting so much time and effort into this book review to help prospective buyers decide. Much appreciated !

 

 

ON SHED – a few weeks ago, we featured this photo of D1041 ‘WESTERN PRINCE’ on the Midland Main Line (MML) near Luton:

D1041 ‘WESTERN PRINCE’ was pictured far from home on 15th April 1976, working the 6V76 Luton Crescent Road Yard to Westbury stone empties. This loco survived in service to the very end of the diesel-hydraulic era and is now cared for by the Bury Hydraulic Group on the East Lancashire Railway. Photographer unknown.

 

This photo was brought to our attention by PAUL FLEET and he reports below on the workings that took the ‘WESTERNS’ onto the MML in the late days of their careers:

 

     “During my (many) years working on the Midland Main Line, we had a period where we were privileged to two ‘WESTERN’ workings on a regular basis! From memory starting late ‘75 through to late ‘77 we had a freight flow from ARC Tytherington through to Hendon, north London which used the same route as the Westbury-Leagrave workings ie via Oxford, Bletchley and Bedford. 

     A ‘WESTERN’ plus 30 or so MSV’s, the aggregate was used to complete the southern end of the M1 Motorway through to Staples Corner – and getting lorries off the road is a new concept ???

     The ‘WESTERNS’ on this working seemed to be even more unkempt than those from Westbury, but it was an opportunity to see them in ‘full flight’ as their southbound (through Luton) path was after the evening peak almost guaranteeing a clear run – and spectacular they always were!

     Having access to TOPS we were able to see which loco was working the train and of course there was always disappointment if a 47 was ‘subbed ’ for a ‘WESTERN’, a permanent situation after February 77 of course! However pictures of this working seem to be extremely rare – unless anyone out there knows better ? “

 

Does anyone else have photos of the Class 52s working on the MML ? Many thanks to PAUL FLEET for sharing this information with us.

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the exceptional workload of 2023 has taken a toll on some administrative and editorial tasks, the delivery of the Board Meeting Synopses and the Newsletter to name but two. These important items are ‘in the works’ and will be distributed as soon as possible. Apologies for these delays.

 

The DEPG is entirely run by volunteers and we need to expand our volunteer numbers if we are going to be able to continue making progress on so many fronts simultaneously. If you have some time and feel able to help, please let us know by clicking this link to use our online CONTACT form. We look forward to hearing from you !

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. It is very quick and easy, and does not require you to remember yet another password. Thank you very much !

 

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 stands at Williton Station on Sunday 29th October 2023 carrying a wreath in memory of the WSR and DEPG volunteers who have passed away during 2023. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 behind and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 alongside, all stand silently as a mark of respect for Simon, Chris and Mike. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Autumn is well and truly upon us, and the last public services of the 2023 season ran last weekend and featured steam haulage in both directions, to ensure that the occupants were kept warm. As a fitting tribute to those volunteers from all across the ‘WSR family’ that have passed away recently, both trains on Sunday 29th October carried wreaths in remembrance of those who gave so much of their time, effort and skills for the causes that they loved. We took a moment while the trains crossed at Williton to be silent and pay our respects to our friends, Simon, Chris and Mike.

 

PETER NICHOLSON 1948-2023 R.I.P.

Sadly, the following day, we learned via young DEPG member Josh Brinsford that his Grandad, well-known railway journalist and photographer PETER NICHOLSON had passed away at the age of 75 and would no longer be reporting via his ‘Classic Traction’ columns in the ‘Railway Magazine’ and elsewhere. Peter was a frequent visitor to the WSR and introduced his grandson to the joy of heritage railways at a very early age. The pair would often be seen on platform ends and on bridges, capturing images for the benefit of all. Peter will be sorely missed, and we send our condolences to young Josh and the entire family.

The late Peter Nicholson on board Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 at Bishops Lydeard on 18th June 2022. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The poor weather during this last week has reminded us that most of our locomotives are stabled outdoors, having to endure the ever-changing conditions, from heatwaves in October to gale-force winds in November. The creation of covered accommodation for all of our locomotives is a priority for the DEPG and we are currently working on plans that will achieve this objective, subject to funding, of course.

Meanwhile, we have to do what we can to cover up the locos and try and keep the worst of the weather out of them, which is always a challenge. We also have wagons and spares that are kept outdoors, and these also deteriorate and need regular refurbishment. Where is this leading, I hear you ask ? …. FUND RAISING is the answer !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the loco is back inside the loco shed and will remain there until late December, after which the covered space is needed for an exhaust system overhaul on Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). This gives us two months to get as much of the bodywork completed as possible and get another coat of gloss applied for protection against the elements for when the loco goes outside again. While waiting for the new bearings that are on order for the ‘A’ transmission, the team has continued with the cleanup and inspection of the casings and the oil pipework, in preparation for the reassembly operation and to allow the rate of progress to be sustained. This is one task that looks like it is going to be completed ahead of schedule!

D1010 – the inside of the intermediate casing of ‘A’ transmission was the subject of Geoff’s attention at Williton on Monday 23rd October 2023. Each piece of pipework was removed for cleaning and careful inspection. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – the inside of the lower casing of ‘A’ transmission was also cleaned up and readied for reassembly. Pictured at Williton on Monday 23rd October 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

We now have almost 80 patches to engrave on the loco this coming weekend, starting at the ‘B’ end and then going to the ‘A’ side behind the ‘A’ cab, where there is a significant area of new metal that can carry the names of the sponsors. There is still plenty of new metal to be marked, so please keep up this amazing level of support and help get D1010 back to working order ASAP. Many thanks to those who placed their orders during the last few weeks.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – after a through check of her cooling system to confirm that there were no leaks, this loco has now moved to Bishops Lydeard to take on the role of ‘Duty Loco’ and will be covering the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services that start on Friday 24th November. Test runs for staff training will be carried out on 22nd and 23rd November.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) departed from Williton on Wednesday 25th October 2023 for a ‘light engine’ move to Bishops Lydeard to take up her winter position as WSR Duty locomotive. The ‘Crompton’ was pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield while waiting for the ‘down’ service to pass. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Click here or on the ticket icon below to go to the WSR’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ page:

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco returned to Williton on Saturday 21st October to undergo winter maintenance, including an overhaul of her exhaust system. The loco will remain available for service until December and is scheduled to go into the loco shed on 23rd December, and will probably remain there for two months while the work is being done.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – there are some minor tasks to be carried out on this loco, but nothing major and nothing preventing her from being returned to service at short notice.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the Root Cause Analysis has identified several probable causes for the uncommanded engagement of the torque converter and each has been ranked for probability, based on the available evidence. Some additional testing will need to be performed to focus in on the most probable cause. Meanwhile, several other maintenance tasks are outstanding on this locomotive and will be progressed during the winter.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – a significant step forward has been made by the reinstatement of the brake rigging after many months of hard work by the team, including the manufacture of new parts and the straightening of some original parts that had been bent following derailments during the loco’s years of hard labour at Ashington Colliery. The photos below show the progress:

D9518 – a view of one of the six brake hangers, now attached to the crossbeam and rigging that connects to the air brake cylinders that are hidden between the frames. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th October 2023 by Terry Deacon  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the centre axle provides a clearer view of the crossbeam and rigging that connects each brake hanger to the air brake cylinders. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th October 2023 by Terry Deacon  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – a view of the underside, looking from the front of the loco (the long end), showing the three crossbeams linked by the tension rods. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th October 2023 by Terry Deacon  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully serviceable. This loco may move to Bishops Lydeard later in the year if Class 09 shunter D4017 (09 019) is to have her bodywork repaired at West Somerset Restorations Swindon Shed. The ’09’ is used during the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ season and is also the backup loco in the event of a last-minute issue arising with either the booked steam or diesel loco.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured in the South Yard at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023 while shunting D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ into the loco shed. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) can be seen on the left and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 can be seen on the right. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The photos below show the size of the task and the careful progress being made. We certainly look forward to her being back out and about again.

47077 – in this view of the engine room on on Wednesday 25th October 2023, four of the twelve large and heavy cylinder heads had been lowered into place via the roof-mounted access doors. The work is being carried out by Finn (pictured) and Josh at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Photo by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – in this picture taken from the other direction later in the day on Wednesday 25th October 2023, five of the twelve cylinder heads had been installed and bolted down. Photo by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – to make this powerful little loco even more useful, a driver recertification session was held at Williton last Saturday 28th October, resulting in Colin G and Martin being passed to continue as drivers by WSR Chief Traction Inspector Merv Hebditch. Well done guys !

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – in stock and selling well are these three new titles, each available from our online store. Click on the images below to buy these books from our online store and in doing so, support the DEPG.

 

 

Also available via the DEPG ONLINE STORE is this sought-after new book by former BR apprentices Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell describing the ‘PYRAMID OF DIESEL HYDRAULICS‘ that comprise the D600, D800, D1000, D6300, D7000 and D9500 series of locomotives (classes 41, 42/43, 52, 22, 35 and 14). This book has been selling like hot cakes and has already had to be reprinted to meet the demand !

Available from the DEPG for £15 plus £3.50 P&P. Click here or on the image below to order this book.

 

We are grateful to regular contributor NEALE LONG for providing a very thorough and detailed book review, an extract from which is reproduced below. Click here to go to the full review on our website.

     “Of the many books published about British Rail’s foray into diesel-hydraulic traction over the years, very few have featured any account by staff involved in either the operation or maintenance of the fleet. This handily sized A5, 146-page softback by two ex-British Railways Engineering Limited apprentices, Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell, sets out to redress this particular imbalance. The book tells the fascinating story from within British Rail from the planning of the diesel-hydraulic pyramid as part of the 1955 Modernisation Plan, to its final collapse in 1977. This story is presented …..” click here to read more.

Many thanks to Neale for putting so much time and effort into this book review to help prospective buyers decide. Much appreciated !

 

ON SHED – the DEPG is fortunate in having more than one example of three different classes of locomotive under its care. We have two Class 14s, two Class 33s and two Class 35s. However, it is very difficult to find photographs from BR days featuring both of our locos, but one such find was made by volunteer Class 33 loco manager Ian Robins when searching on Facebook, and is featured below. We would very much like to find out more details about this photograph and hopefully get permission to use this photo in a forthcoming publication about our locos. Can you help ?

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 33 057 (D6575) leads 33 011 (D6512) at Exeter St. Davids station on an arrival from Brighton while 33 048 (D6566) runs through to attach to a service to Barnstaple, some time in 1984. Photographer unknown.

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a scheduled Board Meeting took place at Williton last Saturday 28th October 2023, a synopsis of which is being prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address.

The DEPG is entirely run by volunteers and we need to expand our volunteer numbers if we are going to be able to continue making progress on so many fronts simultaneously. If you have some time and feel able to help, please let us know by clicking this link to use our online CONTACT form. We look forward to hearing from you !

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. It is very quick and easy, and does not require you to remember yet another password. Thank you very much !

 

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023, coupled up to Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and waiting for Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 to join the consist for a combined test run to Bishops Lydeard and back. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

It is ‘thumbs up’ from Tom on Saturday 21st October 2023 as he prepares to couple Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 to Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) in advance of the test run to Bishops Lydeard and back. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was pictured at Westridge Steam Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 21st October 2023, together with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, both positioned over the pit for an underframe inspection. Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6575 (33 057) (L) and  D6566 (33 048) (R) wait on the south side and will later return to Williton as part of the 4-loco consist. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

 

We are very pleased to report that Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 both enjoyed a successful test run to Bishops Lydeard and back on Saturday 21st October. The outbound trip from Williton included Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) for ‘insurance’ and to act as a load (the engine was running but the loco was not providing any power), with the ‘Hymek’ doing the work. The intention was to leave D6566 at Bishops Lydeard to take over the role of Duty Loco from sister D6575 (33 057), who was due to return to Williton for winter maintenance and attention to leaking exhaust manifold gaskets.

In the event, D6566 was showing a low coolant level and the team decided to take her back to Williton for topping up and a leak check, so the return run was VERY unusual in that it included BOTH ‘Cromptons’ and turned some heads as the rare 4-loco consist passed by, with the ‘Teddy Bear’ having a proper workout !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was the workhorse for the return leg of the journey from Bishops Lydeard to Williton, a task that she completed easily and without fuss. Pictured from the cab on Saturday 21st October 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

 

The last public services of the 2023 season will run this coming weekend under the BLUE timetable and will feature steam haulage in both directions. As a fitting tribute to those volunteers from all across the ‘WSR family’ that have passed away this year, both trains on Sunday 29th October will carry a wreath in remembrance of those who gave so much of their time, effort and skills for the causes that they loved.

 

 

MIKE EVANS 1959-2023 R. I. P.

We are saddened to report that we lost DEPG volunteer MIKE EVANS on Saturday 21st October after he had endured a long and arduous battle with cancer. He passed away just a few weeks before his 64th birthday.

Mike was born in Cardiff but lived near Newton Abbot where he worked as a surveyor for the local authority. His love for diesel-hydraulics was legendary and he was often to be found working on one of our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ or on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Mike was a good all-rounder and would lend a hand to any project that needed his help, and he was even caught working on a ‘Crompton’ once or twice !

A natural prankster with a passion for gadgets of all sorts, Mike will be sorely missed by all of his friends at Williton, but most of all by his loving family.

With sincere thanks for years of work for the DEPG in support of diesel-hydraulic preservation. Rest In Peace.

 

Here are just a few of the many images showing Mike at work for the benefit of the DEPG. He will definitely be missed.

Above: Mike and Warren (L-R) at work on the engine of D9526 at Williton on 11-Mar-17 (TD)	Above: Mike doing DEPG sales stand duty at the Newton Abbot Railway Exhibition on 04-Dec-21 (AR)
Above: Mike tides up after needle gunning the bodyside of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ at Williton on 26-Feb-22 (AR)	Above: Mike outdoors, needle gunning the bodyside of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ at Williton on 26-Mar-22 (AR)
Above: Paul C and Mike (L-R) at Williton on 02-Apr-22 working on D7017 bogie parts (AR)	Above: Mike and Terry (L-R) hold up a tarpaulin as a background for a photo of the electrical cubicle of D9518 at Williton on 03-Dec-22 (AR)
Above: Mike shows off his brand new DEPG hi-viz jacket at Williton on 31-Dec-22 (AR)

Photos by Terry Deacon and Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD870 exhibit

Last week, we reported that the DEPG had just taken delivery of a wonderful exhibit that was previously on display in the ROLLS-ROYCE HERITAGE TRUST museum in Coventry, showcasing the fine work that was done in the 1950s and 60s by Bristol Siddeley Engines Limited when they took on the licence manufacture of the Maybach high-speed diesel engine family. The photos below show the size and magnificence of this 87-litre beauty, which includes a cutaway section and an electric motor that rotates the engine slowly, so that the inner workings can be studied.

We are very grateful to the ROLLS-ROYCE HERITAGE TRUST for donating this  engine to the DEPG. Former DEPG Chairman BOB TILLER was instrumental in securing this marvellous exhibit for the DEPG and he also very kindly donated the considerable transportation cost of moving this 6-ton artefact from Derby to Williton. We hope to repay his kindness by having the engine on display in our future Williton museum area, for the benefit of future generations.

This giant 87-litre Bristol Siddeley Maybach V-16 diesel engine dominates the temporary storage area at Williton and will certainly be a major feature of our planned future exhibition area. Pictured at Williton on 21st October 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The exhibition engine features several cutaway areas protected by transparent covers, and is powered by a small electric motor so that it can be turned slowly to show the inner workings. How about that ! Pictured at Williton on 21st October 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the new bearings are on order for the ‘A’ transmission, so while we wait for them to arrive, the team has moved on to the cleanup and inspection of the casings and the oil pipework, in preparation for the reassembly operation. The loco has now been moved back into the loco shed, which will be a blessing for Ian F and Roy, as they have been struggling with the inclement weather which slows down the progress of their bodywork tasks. The weather has also prevented us from marking the many patches that have been sponsored of late, for which we are very grateful. Hopefully, we will catch up this weekend.

D1010 – the loco was moved into the loco shed by D9526 on Saturday 21st October and will remain under cover until 23rd December 2023, after which the space is needed for one of the ‘Cromptons’. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – the inside of the top casing of ‘A’ transmission has been badly affected by condensation corrosion. This will be cleaned up after removal of the hydraulic pipework. Pictured at Williton on Monday 16th October 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D1010 – the high pressure oil injection equipment was put to use on the reverser shaft from ‘A’ transmission at Williton on Monday 16th October 2023. This will allow the bearing beneath the double-helical gear wheel to be replaced. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

There are still some patches waiting for sponsors at the ‘B’ end of the loco, so GET IN QUICK TO HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED before Roy and Ian reach this end. Many thanks to those who placed their orders during the last few weeks.

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now taken on the role of ‘Duty Loco’ and will soon move to Bishops Lydeard to cover the Christmas workings.

The Class 33 ‘Crompton’ pairing of D6566 (33 048) on the left and D6575 (33 057) on the right was the result of the former having to return to Williton for precautionary attention to lower-than-desirable coolant levels. Pictured shortly after arrival from Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 21st October 2023 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco returned to Williton on Saturday 21st October to undergo winter maintenance, including an overhaul of her exhaust system.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as previously reported, the test run was successful and this loco is close to being returned to service.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023, shortly after returning from her successful test run to Bishops Lydeard and back. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is waiting patiently for work to be completed on sister D7017.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues on the restoration of the cab assembly and the replacement of the electrical wiring loom that runs inside the driver’s ‘desk’. The Class 14 team is currently sharing its time between this project and the 1000-hour service on sister D9526, so we would welcome additional help to keep both sets of tasks moving along. Just respond to this email if you feel that you could help. Thanks !

D9518 – the view towards the ‘B’ end (short end) shows just how complex a kit of parts it is. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023 by Martin Howard  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the view towards the ‘A’ end (long end) shows many more parts being gathered for re-fitting at the appropriate time. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023 by Martin Howard  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as already reported, this loco completed her test run successfully on Saturday 21st October and is now classified as fully serviceable again. The loco will remain at Williton until needed at Bishops Lydeard in the New Year.

D9526 performed well during her test run and is now classified as fully serviceable. The loco is seen in the South Yard at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023 in the company of Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048), D6575 (33 057) and D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ on No. 1 road, and on No. 3 road we see Barclay 578 (ROF1) standing in front of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Photos will be provided ASAP.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco now looks the part, wearing her 1970s cabside markings as ‘R. O. F. BRIDGWATER No. 1‘. The number of drivers trained to drive this powerful little loco will be increased in the coming weeks to give more flexibility at the depot and allow locos undergoing maintenance to be repositioned more frequently.

Barclay 578 (ROF1) was pictured in the South Yard at Williton on Saturday 21st October 2023, proudly wearing her new cabside lettering. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we have just added a new title to our online store and we now have stock available of the THIRD VOLUME in the very successful ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ series by Andy Chard, published by Platform 5. These popular books are very interesting, very well produced and are selling quickly. Click here or on the image below to buy this book from our online store.

 

Also available via the DEPG ONLINE STORE is this sought-after new book by former BR apprentices Mike Woodhouse and Graham Howell describing the ‘PYRAMID OF DIESEL HYDRAULICS‘ that comprise the D600, D800, D1000, D6300, D7000 and D9500 series of locomotives (classes 41, 42/43, 52, 22, 35 and 14). This book has been selling like hot cakes and has already had to be reprinted to meet the demand !

Available from the DEPG from Friday 20th October for £15 plus £3.50 P&P. Click here or on the image below to order this book.

We will be featuring a book review from regular contributor NEALE LONG in next week’s roundup.

 

ON SHED – sorry, but we will need to skip this popular feature this week due to lack of space.

 

DEPG NEWS – A BOARD MEETING will take place tomorrow, Saturday 28th October 2023, starting at 1300. The synopses of previous meeting are running late and will be distributed next week to DEPG members for whom we hold email address details. Apologies for the delay.

We have sadly lost several fine and capable volunteers this year, so we have to acknowledge that we are feeling the pressure. The activities at the DEPG continue to place significant demands on our volunteers and we need to share the load among more hands. This does not just apply to the maintenance and restoration of our locos, but it also applies to the hidden background tasks such as running the online store, producing the newsletters, publishing booklets, handling the pre-owned books and selling them to raise funds. If you have some time and feel able to help, please let us know by responding to this email or by clicking this link to use our online CONTACT form. We look forward to hearing from you !

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

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